Socio-economic Characteristics Of Respondents Research Articles

Comparison on travel scheduling between driving and walking trips by habitual car users

Research on walking behavior has become increasingly more important in the field of transportation in the past decades. However, the study of the factors influencing the scheduling decisions related to walking trips and the exploration of the differences between travel modes has not been conducted yet. This paper presents a comparison of the scheduling and rescheduling decisions associated with car driving trips and walking trips by habitual car users using a data set collected in Valencia (Spain) in 2010. Bivariate probit models with sample selection are used to accommodate the influence of pre-planning on the decision to execute a travel as pre-planned or not. The explicative variables considered are: socio-economic characteristics of respondents, travel characteristics, and facets of the activity executed at origin and at destination including the scheduling decisions associated with them. The results demonstrate that a significant correlation exists between the choices of pre-planning and rescheduling for both types of trips. Whether for car driving or walking trips, the scheduling decisions associated with the activity at origin and at destination are the most important explicative factors of the trip scheduling and rescheduling decisions. However, the rescheduling of trips is mainly influenced by modifications in the activity at destination. Some interesting differences arise regarding the rescheduling decision processes between travel modes: if pre-planned, walking trips are less likely to be modified than car driving trips, showing a more rigid rescheduling behavior.

Determinants of Off-Farm Labor Supply among Farming Households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study analyzes the various determinants of off-farm labor choice decision in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Primary data collected from 120 respondents were employed in the study and analyzed using the logistic regression model. Result of the socio-economic characteristics of respondents revealed the prevalence of female farmers (63.3%), majority which were married (50%) with average household size of eight persons. Majority were educated with average experience of eighteen years. The prevailing off-farm work typology and pattern in the study area were self-employment (50%) and part time engagement (63.3%). Result of the logistic regression revealed that farm size, household size, total annual off-farm income and educational attainment of respondents were the major determinants of off-farm labor choice decision in the study area. This informed the need to pursue policies that would enhance educational attainment in the study area, enhance and stabilize income in the off-farm sector as well as educating and enlightening rural households, especially women on the benefit of off-farm work and the creation of enabling environment in rural areas through infrastructure provision with view to reducing migration to urban areas in search of off-farm work as the way out.

English

This study examined the technical efficiency of maize production in Ogun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected for this study using a multistage sampling technique to select 100 maize farmers from the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and stochastic production frontier. The socio-economic characteristics of respondents as evident from the data analysis revealed that 73% were males with an average age of 50.1 years. Most (85%) of them were married with average household size of 6 people. Also, 89.0% had below secondary school education and 84.8% were full time farmers while 55.0% were engaged in inter-cropping activities. The mean total variable cost per hectare was estimated as ₦109,599.17 per year while the mean total revenue per hectare was ₦111,436.00. The gross margin per hectare was estimated as ₦1, 836.83. The significant variables affecting maize production were seeds (α0.05), herbicide (α0.10), labour (α0.01), and farm size (α0.05), while the factors affecting inefficiency were household size (α0.05) and educational level (α0.01). The study recommended that provision should be made by governments and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to provide farmers with access to affordable inputs such as seed, herbicides as well as making provision for alternative source of family labour.     Key words: Technical efficiency, maize production, Ogun State, Nigeria. &nbsp

English

This study was carried out to assess the potentials of indigenous communication media in disseminating agricultural information in South-Western Nigeria. A multi stage random sampling technique was employed to select 120 respondents from 24 villages drawn at equal proportions from the two selected states within the southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse and categorize personal and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, while 5 points-like rating scale was used to evaluate the respondents’ perception of indigenous communication media, and Chi-square was used to evaluate the significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and their perception of indigenous communication media effectiveness. The result revealed that the mostly used indigenous media is town crier (60.0%), followed by traditional music (18.3%), folk songs (12.5%) and drama (9.2%). Also, 19.2% of respondents believed that indigenous media was cheaper than other media, 25.0% believed it was energy saving, 39.2% believed it gives prompt feedback, while 16.7% believed it was timely. Reasons for not using indigenous media often as indicated by the respondents were modernization (63.4%) and lack of interest (36.6%). Most of the respondents perceived that indigenous media were effective in disseminating agricultural information, simple to understand and effective in introducing new innovations, but that it was geographically restricted. Chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between age (χ2 = 50.500, p = 0.006), marital status (χ2 = 39.025, p = 0.000), educational qualification (χ2 = 13.900, p = 0.001), primary occupation (χ2 = 20.197, p = 0.001), religion (χ2 = 20.278, p = 0.000), sex (χ2 = 41.200, p = 0.0001) and perception of the respondents.   Key words:  Indigenous communication, agricultural information, dissemination media.&nbsp

Small-Scale Maize Seed Production in West and Central Africa: Profitability, Constraints and Options

Seed plays a critical role in increasing agricultural productivity. Seed has been described as an essential, strategic, and relatively inexpensive input that often determines the upper limit of crop yields and the productivity of all other agricultural inputs. Given the critical role that seed plays in agricultural production, a key question is how to facilitate the development of a seed system that is capable of generating, producing and distributing new seed varieties that meet the needs of all farmers, in a cost-effective way given the critical role that improved varieties play in increasing agricultural production. The study was conducted in Nigeria and Cameroon in West and Central Africa respectively. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in this study to select 167 maize seed producers. Descriptive and quantitative techniques were employed in the analysis of the study data. Descriptive analytical tools such as frequency tables were used to describe the socio economic characteristics of respondents and options in maize seed production. Normalised profit function analysis was used to determine the profitability of seed production and importance indices were used to rank seed production constraints. Finally regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting the profitability of maize seed production. The survey conducted in the two countries revealed that there is no formal maize seed production system in Cameroon. Maize seed in Cameroon came from either the government agencies or from the farmers. However, in Nigeria, there is formal maize seed production system. Evidence from the study has shown that maize seed industry in WCA (Nigeria and Cameroon in particular) has not developed remarkably. According to study, a seed system that would integrate large scale and small scale seed companies with the individual seed producers by way of integrating seed producers as out growers or contract growers to the seed companies seems to be the best option. Finally, government agencies could assist the informal sector by providing foundation seed, extension advice on seed production, processing, treatment and storage and legal framework that permits seed marketing. This would facilitate the growth of small-scale entrepreneurs in the informal sector. This is very relevant in Cameroon where there were no small-scale formal seed producers. The evidence provided in this study could lead to the sustainability of maize seed production in WCA where seed companies exist but struggling to survive and could facilitate the establishment of private seed enterprises in Cameroon where none existed. Based on the findings, numerous policy recommendations are proposed.

Indigenous Foot and Mouth Disease Control Methods among Nomadic Cattle Fulanis in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract This study analyzed the indigenous foot and mouth disease control methods among nomadic cattle Fulanis herders in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected by the use of semi-structured questionnaire administered to randomly selected 363 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, frequency distribution and regression analysis. Result of the analysis of socio-economic characteristics of respondents showed that majority were above 40 years of age (87.9%), 94.5% were married and only 16.5% acquired formal education. On the average there were eight persons per household and about 80% of the respondents had more than 24 years of cattle herding experience. Twenty eight control methods were identified to be in practiced among the respondents. Result of the regression analysis between socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and use of indigenous foot and mouth disease control methods showed that coefficient of age was positive and significant at 1% level, while household size and experience were positive and significant at 5% level. Deforestation and concealment of indigenous control methods by the custodians among others were found to be the constraints against the utilization of indigenous foot and mouth control methods. The study concluded that indigenous control methods were well established and practiced among herders who are well experienced and knowledgeable. It is recommended that laws banning bush burning and indiscriminate tree felling be re- enforced in order to preserve indigenous herbs to avert possible extinction. There is a greater need for extension workers and services to be strengthened so as to incorporate the indigenous methods used by the herders.

Food Service Providers’ Attitudes Towards Nutrition and Food Handling Practices in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

The study assessed food service providers’ attitudes towards nutrition and food handling practices in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria with foodservice providers randomly selected hotels and fast food restaurants in the town consisting of a total of 120 respondents. The study used of descriptive design and data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire that sought information on the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, sources of nutritional knowledge, preparation and handling of food, nutrition attitude towards of food service providers. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data collected and the hypotheses tested using chi-square. The result showed that there is a significant relationship between attitude of foodservice providers and food handling practices, age, sex and education while there is no significant relationship existed for income and marital status. The study concluded that majority of the hospitality outlets and food service providers in Osogbo have adequate favorable attitude towards nutrition and they use this during the process of food handling and preparation. Food handlers in hospitality outlets are to receive constant training and re-training on food and nutrition, food hygiene, food preparation and beverages and drinks. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1106

Adoption of Green River Project Fish Farming Technologies by Farmers in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The study assessed adoption of improved fish farming technologies by fish farmers as well as socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, level of adoption of GRP fish farming technologies and constraints to adoption of the technologies. The hypothesis of the study was that socioeconomic conditions of farmers do not significantly influence adoption of GRP technologies. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from two states in Niger Delta. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis and factor analysis were used to analyze data. Results showed that majority (76.7% and 77.5%) of the fish farmers were male and married respectively. Mean age of the respondents was 50 years and majority were literates. Majority of the respondents adopted fish farm management technologies (79%), feeding techniques (79%), fish culture management techniques (77%) and water quantity and quality management techniques (88%). Constraints to adoption of the technologies included technology- related constraints such as existence of technologies better than GRP technologies (with loading of 0.536) and input- related constraints such as: late arrival of GRP input (0.760). Result of the hypothesis was that some socioeconomic characteristics of farmers (age and years spent in school) affected adoption. It was recommended that there should be involvement of youths in the project, provision of sufficient inputs to farmers at the right time and measures to increase collaboration between GRP and other agencies that disseminate improved fish farming technologies in the area.Keywords: GRP, Technology, fish farming

Factors Influencing the Travel Scheduling of Driving Trips of Habitual Car Users

The paper presents an analysis of scheduling and rescheduling decisions that are associated with driving trips of habitual car users and that employs a new data set for processing of activity travel schedules collected in Valencia, Spain, in 2010. A bivariate probit model with sample selection is used to accommodate the influence of planning on the decision to execute a trip as planned or not. The explicative variables included in the model are socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, travel characteristics, and facets of the activity at origin and the activity executed at destination, including the scheduling process decisions associated with them. The results demonstrate that a significant correlation exists between the choice of planning and rescheduling a driving trip. Other findings suggest that characteristics of the activity at destination, including the scheduling process decisions, have a greater influence on the choice of planning or executing spontaneously than the characteristics of the activity at origin. In contrast, characteristics and scheduling of the activity at origin have significantly more influence on the decision of rescheduling or not rescheduling a planned driving trip than attributes of the activity at destination.

Utilization of cocoyam in rural households in southwestern Nigeria

Cocoyam is a traditional crop and a cultural foodstuff in Nigeria. It has not received much research attention in spite of its great adaptability to varying farming systems and its nutritive and commercial food values. The crop is a yam substitute that occupies an inferior food status in the study area. It is mainly cultivated by women and in most cases planted as an intercrop in a previously established farm. It is, therefore, regarded as a lazy man’s crop and consequently a poor man’s food. The aim of this study was to revive the acceptability of cocoyam as foodstuff in order to solve the food crisis, which Nigeria has been experiencing since 1978. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from randomly selected 322 respondents from 24 cocoyam producing communities in four states in the region: Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun and Lagos states. The question items included personal and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents and cocoyam utilization. The data were described using frequency counts, means and percentages while multiple regression analysis was used as inferential statistics to determine the relationship of the independent variables to the dependent variable. Results revealed that 64% of the respondents were males and 84% were married. Their ages ranged from 20-70 years with a mean of 44±16 years. About 68% of them were literate with 58% of their spouses literate. They were mostly (39%) farmers and artisans (12%) with no secondary occupation, only 28% of the farmers produced cocoyam but almost all (97%) of the respondents consumed cocoyam. Cocoyam was utilized in 24 different ways in three categories of unprocessed solid, processed solid and powder in the study area and utilization level was 20%. The multiple regression analysis was significant at p< 0.05 and R=0.3469, meaning that the independent variable:socio-economic characteristics had jointly accounted for 35% of cocoyam utilization level. F value was 5.334. The variables that contributed positively to utilization level were producers of cocoyam, sources of cocoyam and cocoyam being brought home from journey while cosmopolitan, flexibility on food choice and decision makers on menu contributed negatively. Commercial processing of cocoyam to flour for baking, canned foods, baby food formulae and other cocoyam products are recommended to increase utilization. Farmers were advised to increase cocoyam production in the study area.

Effects of Climate Change on Poultry Production in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of climate change on poultry production in Ondo State, Nigeria. Eighty three (83) poultry farmers were interviewed to elicit relevant information in line with the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that majority (93.3%) of the respondents are aware of climate change, 78%, 98.8% and 86.7% of the respondents agreed that temperature fluctuation, increased in sunshine intensity and global warming has a negative effects on poultry production, 72.4% of the respondents agreed that prices of feed grains are usually high in hot and dry seasons which may affect cost of production and number of birds to raise for egg and meat production in the farm, 73.5% of the respondents agreed that climate change has effect on feed grain availability, this implies that high temperature and low rainfall are climatic factors that affect general grain harvest, their supply to the market and ultimately cost of poultry production. the findings further revealed that 94% of the respondents agreed that climate change affects egg and meat production pattern and 95.2% of the respondents agreed that moist climatic conditions encouraged the distribution and development of diseases. Inferential statistics shows that there is a significant relationship between respondents’ socio – economic characteristics and perception of poultry farmers on effects of climate change on poultry production since p > 0.05 (r = 0.454, p= 0.001), the results also revealed there is a significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and their level of awareness of climate change since the p > 0.05 (r = 0.652, p= 0.001). It is recommended extension agents and other development agencies need to educate the poultry farmers more about the effects posed by climate change on poultry production and intensify awareness campaign to poultry farmers on how to reduce the effects of climate change on poultry production. Key words: Climate, Climate change, Temperature, Poultry, Farmers, Perception.

Utilizing Creeks for Integrated Rural Coastal Development of Ilaje Area of Nigeria.

Rural communities in the country are blessed with resources which need to be exploited to achieve rural development. This study examines the Utilization of Creeks for Integrated Coastal Development of Ilaje Area of Nigeria. The primary goal of the study is to carry out inventory on creek resources and how best it could be utilized for Integrated Coastal Development of the study area. Questionnaires which include close and open ended questions were administered to elicit information from household heads in the study area. Stratified-random sampling technique was employed in the administration of questionnaires, and 5% sample was adopted for this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis method. Information gathered from the administration of questionnaires include: socio-economic characteristics of respondents, major uses of creeks, existing condition of the coastal area and infrastructural facilities in the study area among others. The study reveals the present level of creek utilization, poor fishing techniques, poor sources of water and navigation routes, and manual dredging among others. Based on the findings, it is recommended that government should employ the services of dredging companies to selected locations in the study area for dredging; this would increase the amount of sand turn over, thereby increasing revenue generated for local economic development. Periodic clearing of water weeds will also be of necessity, dredging and expansion of the creeks for navigation for modern boats and development of tourist and recreation centres will also enhance development of the area.Keywords: Coastal development, creeks, Ilaji, navigation and rural communities.

Economics of Leafy Vegetable Production

It is necessary to develop methods to increase profitability of leafy vegetable production because it is the most important factor dictating flow of capital. An economic analysis of leafy vegetable production in Osun State, Nigeria, was carried to determine profitability of production. The study examined socioeconomic characteristics of respondents and analyzed costs and returns to leafy vegetable production. A total of 60 respondents were interviewed. Primary data were collected with a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and enterprise budgetary analyses. Mean age of respondents was 38 years and average household size was 5. The mode level of education was secondary. The mean years of experience was 11 and the mode farm size was between 0.01 and 0.4 ha. Gross margin and net profit were 91,161 and 82,441 (, naira, Nigerian currency, 157 = US$1), indicating that leafy vegetable production was profitable. Profitability, using profit margin analysis, was 62.8%, the benefit–cost ratio was 2.7, return per naira outlay was 1.7 and the operating expense ratio was 30.5%, indicating that there is room for improvement in leafy vegetable production.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Disparities for Rural Minorities in the United States

Despite the existence of effective screening, colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Adults living in rural areas and members of minority populations both experience disparities in colorectal cancer screening. Cross-sectional prevalence study of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from the Centers for Disease Control from 1998 to 2005. Predicted probability of reporting timely colorectal cancer screening. rural residence, race/ethnicity. We adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents. After adjustment rural non-Hispanic whites (44.3%), rural African American/blacks (44.8%), urban and rural Hispanic/Latinos (43.7% and 40.8%, respectively), urban and rural American Indian/Alaska Natives (45.8% and 46.8%), and urban and rural Asians (35.4% and 39.6%) had lower compared with urban non-Hispanic whites (49.5%; P < .05% for all comparisons). Urban Asians were least likely to report use of fecal occult blood testing (8.6%, 95% confidence interval = 6.3% to 10.9%) and rural Asians were least likely to report use of endoscopy screening (21.2%, 95% confidence interval = 16.2% to 26.2%). Rural minorities may face different barriers to colorectal cancer screening than urban minorities or rural non-Hispanic whites. Further research to develop interventions to improve screening in these populations is warranted.

Intergenerational transmission of educational attainment in Austria

Up to now, there exist several studies documenting the educational expansion in Austria in the 20th century but only few studies measureing the degree of persistence of educational attainment over generations. Furthermore, for Austria there are no internationally comparable persistence-measures of educational attainment available. This study aims to fill this gap and delivers key-measures for intergenerational persistence of educational attainment. The Austrian Household Survey on Housing Wealth includes information on socioeconomic characteristics of respondents and their parents. The results demonstrate strong persistence in educational attainment in Austria. Using uni- as well as multivariate econometric techniques and a Markovian approach we show that educational persistence decreased over time. Overall, Austria ranks third in terms of intergenerational educational attainment persistence among a number of european countries and the US. Our results therefore allow to question the significance of meritocratic values and equal opportunity for educational advancement in the Austrian society compared to other European countries and the USA.

Residents’ Socio-economic Characteristics and the Residential Mobility Process in an Urban Space: The Example of the Warri Metropolis, Delta State, Nigeria

KEYWORDS Intra-urban. Socio-Economic. Preferences. Housing. Neighbourhoods. Logistic Regression ABSTRACT Residential mobility may be defined as the movement of residents from one house to another, or from one neighbourhood/part of a town/city to another. We reiterate, however, that the residential character of a city or neighbourhood is generally created and shaped through the locational behaviour and decisions of individuals and families. Consequently, our examination of how residents' socio-economic characteristics impact on the intra-urban residential mobility process in the Warri metropolis requires that we consider the defining criteria within the concept of residential areas. The bases used in identifying residential areas/neighbourhoods have been grouped into two major classes, namely: the environmental features/characteristics of residential neighbourhoods and the socio-economic structure of residential areas. This paper, however, concentrates on the second class of criteria. The data used in our analysis are derived from a survey into urban housi ng in the Warri Metropolis, Nigeria, in the summer of 2005. Seven hundred and sixty-two (762) respondents participated in the data gathering process. The socio-economic characteristics of respondents in all the study neighbourhoods are closely examined, after which the Logistic Regression technique was used to evaluate the relationship that exists between these variables and intra-urban residential mobility. The results of the regression analysis confirm a strong relationship between residents' socio-economic characteristics and intra-urban mobility in the Warri metropolis.

Changing Attitudes to Gender Roles

This article examines changes in attitudes to gender roles in contemporary Britain by using a first-order Markov process in which cumulative transition probabilities are logistic functions of a set of personal and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents. The data are taken from the British Household Panel Study (BHPS). The attitudinal responses examined take the form of ordinal responses concerning gender roles in 1991 and 2003. The likelihood function is partitioned to make possible the use of existing software for estimating model parameters. For the BHPS data, it was found that, depending on the value of the response in 1991, a variety of factors were important determinants of attitudes to gender roles by 2003.

Economic Implication of Poverty Alleviation Programs on Rural Women in Ondo-State Case Study of Country Women Association of Nigeria

The study examined the economic implication of COWAN poverty alleviation programme in rural women. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents from Ikare and Ugbe from Akoko North East and Oka and Akungba from Akoko South West. The data collected were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics and simple regression analysis to examine the socio-economic characteristics of respondents and the efficiency of COWAN micro finance initiative. Results showed that 35% of respondents have no formal education while 30, 24 and 11% has primary school, secondary school and above secondary education respectively. The mean age reported was 39 years showing that the respondents were still in their economically active years. Result also showed that loans facilities from COWAN has positive influence on the level of income and the result of the return to scale analysis showed efficient utilization of the loans. It is therefore recommended that COWAN should be encouraged to give greater loans facilities to interested borrowers in the study area.

Self-assessed health, reference levels and mortality

The article studies the relationship between self-assessed health (SAH) and subsequent mortality in the German Socio-Economic Panel. Specifically, I examine whether socio-economic characteristics of respondents have an effect on mortality, conditional on SAH. Such conditional effects are shown to exist for various covariates, including age, income and wealth. These findings question the comparability of SAH across different socio-economic groups.

Socio-economic factors affecting the participation of women in agricultural co-operatives in Gwoza local government, Borno state, Nigeria

The study examined the socio-economic factors affecting women's participation in agricultural co-operatives in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. Data for the study were derived from three purposively selected communities (Gwoza, Ngoshe and Pulka). Forty respondents were randomly selected from each of the three communities giving a total of 120. Tools for the analyses were percentages and Chi-Square (χ2), used to test existence of relationships between level of participation and socio-economic characteristics of respondents, and correlation analysis, used to test cause-effect relationship between socio-economic variables and some indicators of cooperative activities. The results showed that majority of respondents (82%) were between 30 and 40 years and married (76%). About 41% attended up to secondary school level of education while 4% attended tertiary education. More than half (52%) were involved in micro processing with about 79% having annual income not exceeding N60,000. Membership in co-operative societies ranked 93%, 73% and 21%, respectively for thrift and credit, processing, and marketing co-operatives. Major benefits derived by members included access to loans (87%), input provision (77%) and product marketing (50%). Cultural beliefs (82%) and low level of education (57%) were found to be the major problems militating against women participation in co-operatives. Relationships between socio-economic variables and women participation in co-operatives were significant for age, education and primary occupation as revealed by Chi-square analysis tested at 5% level . Correlation analysis also revealed positive and significant relationships between socio-economic variables and participation in/benefits of cooperatives. The study established a high potential for enhancing economic growth in co-operatives in spite of the attendant problems. It was therefore recommended that women be given more access to education as this would go a long way in removing some of the barriers to effective participation. Agro-Science Vol. 6 (2) 2007: pp. 72-78